A good reminder of why I don't like "chick lit" so much. While not offensively bad, I had much higher hopes for this book. The concept was a good one, then entered the characters... None of the depth one would hope to find in a group of this type was found on these pages. In fact, having both led groups and been a group member through the years, this was wildly unrealistic. The women did stupid things, all presented false fronts not only to the world but also to their therapy group, yet they all seemed able to create genuine friendships. How exactly is that possible? These characters, every single one, needed an intervention.

This is one I even resented using my time to read. I'm glad it was a library book.

I really, really like this. Who would have thought since it is so far from my current lifestyle.

Oh, my poor broken heart. The Wednesday Group is Sylvia True's debut novel, but I can promise you right now that it doesn't read like one. It's stunning, and heartbreaking. I came into a story about women whose problems were far removed from my own life. My biggest worry was that I wouldn't be able to connect enough to really enjoy this story. Trust me, I shouldn't have had any doubts. True's characters came to life. They embraced me as part of their group, and I watched as they laid their hearts and their souls on the table for me to pick apart. Be warned, this isn't the happiest of stories. It is beautiful though, and so very important.

Gail, Hannah, Bridget, Lizzie and Flavia couldn't be more different from one another when the book begins. Learning each of their unique personalities was actually one of my favorites parts of this story. My heart was pulled in all directions while I slowly fell into each one of their lives. Some meek, some angry, but all stronger women then they could ever know. That is, until they came together as a group. I was so impressed at how bluntly, and yet at the same time sensitively, True tackled the concept of men with sex addiction, and how it affects their wives and families. I adored that she didn't lump all of these characters into one coping mechanism. She allowed them their own flaws, and poor decisions, which ultimately made this a much more satisfying story.

What's even more brilliant about this story is the simple fact that it's all forward movement. There's very little fluff, or filler. It's all decisions, consequences, and tons of human growth. Of course, while this was utterly satisfying to read, it also meant that it was emotionally draining as well. I ran the full gambit of emotions while I followed these women on their journey. I felt rage, despair, hope, and so much sadness that it almost overwhelmed me. If I can give credit where credit is due, Sylvia True definitely has mastered the art of pacing. It was perfection.

I can't state enough how impressed I was with The Wednesday Group. Where I started out wary that I wasn't going to feel involved enough, I ended up completely enmeshed in these women's lives. I can't recommend this enough.

When I first started listening to this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish it. The women in this book just felt so... other. By that, I mean that I've been blessed to never have to deal with even a tiny bit of the problems these women face. I've never been cheated on. Never dealt with living with a sex addict. I didn't know if I could deal with the issues, the sadness, and the rage these women felt.

And then... it all just clicked. Suddenly I totally understood what they were going through. I felt for them, understood the rage and the despair. I don't know how it happened, but it did.

I'm almost done, and I'm honestly kind of sad.

I'm going to miss these ladies.

A lot of anger in this book. When I first started reading it, I thought it was going to be about too much sex for me, but while sexual addiction was the underlying factor, it was more about betrayal. These five women come together to deal with their husband's sexual addiction problems. While each husband has a different problem, the women are bonded because they have to deal with same underlying issue lies, betrayal and deceit.

I had a little trouble at first keeping up with the different women and their husband's problems, but soon into the book I had bonded with them and it was not a problem anymore.

I really enjoyed this book and was glad to get to read it.

Thanks St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing a free e-galley in for an honest review.